Summertime signals a growing need for the air conditioner in many homes. In some parts of the country, the air conditioner stays on all year long.
If you are just turning yours on for the first time, it is time to ask yourself what kind of maintenance it needs, what you can do to ensure it runs efficiently the rest of the season, and how you can make it the most enjoyable summer possible.
Before you turn that air conditioner on, do not forget the most crucial and important steps to prep your air conditioner for summer.
Change the Filter
You do not just breathe the air that goes through the air conditioner as it is. The filter keeps it clean and makes it possible for you to breathe easy and comfortably. The filter keeps all the nasty particles in the air out of the system so it is not recycled into the air you breathe. The filter can get blocked and dirty fast, and it is an appropriate time to replace the filter before you use it for the summer season.
Check the Ducts
It is a good idea to clean your ducts because it is where unwanted debris piles up. In your ductwork, you will find dirt, dander, allergens, pet hair and other debris you do not want to clog up the ductwork in your home. If you know what you are doing, clean it out yourself. If you do not, you will want to call a professional.
Check Outside
Your air conditioning base sits outside, and so many things can happen to it between the start of winter and the first use of the new season. There could be leaves, dirt and debris piled up inside, and you want to be sure there is no problem. It is a clever idea to make sure you have taken the cover off, too.
It is surprising how many people forget to do this when they turn the air on the first time this season. Even a few leaves inside the unit can have a lasting negative effect on the performance of the unit, and that means compromising maximum efficiency.
Check the Thermostat
Checking the thermostat is not something everyone thinks to do each year. However, it is important to take a long look at your thermostat at the start of the summer season. If it is old and dated, it might not work with near as much efficiency as it did when it was new. A new smart thermostat is a great idea if you are considering saving money on your utilities and energy usage.
Call for Maintenance
You should have your HVAC system checked twice yearly by a professional. This should occur in the spring when summer is approaching and again in the fall when the winter is upon you.
Basic maintenance is an excellent idea because it is usually how you find identify and solve smaller issues. When you locate these little problems early, repairs happen long before they have an opportunity to become more costly breakdowns. It can save you money and prolong the life of your HVAC unit. It is basic maintenance at its finest, and it is one of the best ways to invest in your HVAC for future use.
There comes a time when your system is no longer good enough for the life you are living. Know when it is time to consider a new unit at your home, and know when you should face the situation and get it replaced. It is not cheap, but replacing an old unit can save you a lot of money in the future. It can also make you a lot more comfortable through the heat of summer.
If you think your A/C unit is in need of some repairs or maintenance, check out these DIY repair tips before calling a repairman.
